Skiddaw Little Man

Skiddaw Little Man

Skiddaw Little Man rises to 865m above Keswick, a separate Wainwright on the southern side of the Skiddaw massif. Its position gives it an open outlook across Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, making it worth visiting even when Skiddaw itself is not on the day's plan. The climb from Gale Road is substantial: a high starting point saves some ascent, but this is still a mountain walk. Summit details

The summit and its setting

The lower cairned top reached from Jenkin Hill is Lesser Man. Continue beyond it to reach Little Man. A cairn marks the familiar summit area, while the recorded high point is a rock about five metres north of the cairn. The summit grid reference is NY266277. Summit record

On a clear day, look south over Keswick and Derwentwater, west towards the north-western fells, and east towards Blencathra. Skiddaw's higher ridge stands close by to the north-west. Cloud can hide this whole outlook, so a clear mountain forecast matters more than a particular season. Andrew's Walks, The Great Outdoors

The massif belongs to the Skiddaw Group, an ancient sedimentary succession including mudstone, siltstone and sandstone. The familiar name “Skiddaw slate” does not mean the whole mountain consists of a single rock type. British Geological Survey

Two walks from Gale Road

Little Man and back: allow roughly 3–4 hours for about 7.5km in reasonable, snow-free conditions. From the car park behind Latrigg, take the signed Skiddaw path past the Hawell Monument and climb the long, steep path towards Jenkin Hill. Before the gate around NY271275, leave the main track on the left for Lesser Man, then continue to Little Man. Return over Lesser Man to the junction and descend by the same Skiddaw path to the car park. Andrew's Walks, The Great Outdoors

Skiddaw with Little Man: a longer outing from the same car park can use the main path around Little Man to reach Skiddaw, then visit Little Man and Lesser Man on the return before rejoining the Jenkin Hill descent. This circuit is about 10km with 700m of ascent. Allow around 4–5 hours, more for rests or difficult conditions, and plan the summit-ridge section and return before setting off. Do not improvise a descent towards Millbeck or Carl Side if your intended finish is Gale Road. WalkLakes route guide

Longer combinations with Lonscale Fell need their own route plan: some descend to Whit Beck, where high water can prevent a safe crossing.

Getting there

The road-end parking is normally called Gale Road or Latrigg car park. The National Park gives its location as NY281253, reached via Applethwaite or Ormathwaite. Do not rely on a postcode alone to identify the final lane. Follow current parking notices and leave gates, passing places and access clear. There are no toilets or refreshments on the fell; use Keswick before setting out. National Park access information

For a car-free day, buses serve Keswick, including Stagecoach's X4/X5 connection with Penrith railway station. Walkers can approach Gale Road from Keswick via Spooney Green Lane and the paths around Latrigg, then retrace that approach at the end. This adds distance and climbing beyond the figures above. Check the current timetable and last return; the mountain start should not be treated as a bus stop. Stagecoach, Keswick approach

Conditions and preparation

Expect steep stony climbing, some grass and loose or slippery ground. The name “tourist path” does not remove the need for navigation: mist can obscure junctions, and the upper slopes are exposed to strong winds. Turn back if conditions exceed the group's ability.

Snow and ice can turn these paths into a winter mountaineering outing. Carry suitable clothing, food, water, a map and compass you can use, and a torch. Check a mountain forecast, allow enough daylight for the whole return, and tell someone your plan. National Park walking safety